Swapnil Kusale: The Indian Shooting Sensation
Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old Indian shooter, has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian shooter to clinch a medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Born on August 6, 1995, in Kambalwadi village, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, Swapnil’s journey to the top is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Early Life and Family
Swapnil’s father, Suresh Kusale, enrolled him in the Maharashtra government’s Krida Prabhodini sports programme at the age of 14 in 2009. His mother, Anita Kusale, is the Sarpanch of their village. Swapnil’s family has been a constant source of support throughout his career.
Schooling and Education
Swapnil attended government residential schools from the age of 10. He later trained in Pune and worked as a Ticket Collector (TTE) with the Indian Railways in Pune.
Career Beginnings
Swapnil Kusale’s journey in shooting began when he was just 12 years old. He was inspired by his father, who was a sports enthusiast and encouraged him to take up the sport. Initially, Swapnil trained at a local shooting range in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, under the guidance of coach Anil Kumar.
Swapnil’s early days in shooting were marked by struggles, as his family faced financial difficulties. His father, a sarpanch (village head), had to sell his land to support Swapnil’s shooting career. Despite these challenges, Swapnil persevered and worked hard to hone his skills.
In 2012, Swapnil joined the Indian Railways as a ticket collector, which provided him with a stable income and allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for shooting. During this time, he continued to train and participate in local and national-level competitions, gradually making a name for himself in the shooting circuit.
Swapnil’s dedication and hard work eventually paid off, as he started winning medals at the national and international levels. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he won a gold medal in the 50m rifle prone 3 category at the Asian Shooting Championships, followed by another gold medal at the National Championships in Kerala.
Training and Trainer
Swapnil Kusale’s coach, Deepali Deshpande, has played a crucial role in his career growth. He has also been inspired by the life story of MS Dhoni, the Indian cricket legend, who was also a Railway TTE early in his career. Additionally, he has worked with Vaibhav Agashe, a renowned sports psychologist, who has helped him overcome mental blocks and improve his performance.
Swapnil’s training regimen includes a combination of physical and mental preparation. He has worked on his technique, focusing on his breathing, posture, and trigger control. He has also developed a strong mental game, learning to manage his nerves and stay focused under pressure.
In preparation for the Paris Olympics 2024, Swapnil trained extensively in Chateauroux, France, where he got accustomed to the weather conditions and the shooting range. He also worked on his physical fitness, building his endurance and strength to withstand the demands of the competition.
Achievements and Awards
Swapnil’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a historic moment for Indian shooting. He has also been congratulated by Olympian Abhinav Bindra on his win.
- 2015: Swapnil won a gold medal in the 50m rifle prone 3 category at the Asian Shooting Championships.
- 2015: He won a gold medal in the National Championships in Kerala for the same category.
- 2017: Swapnil won a bronze medal in the 50m rifle prone event at the Commonwealth Championships in Brisbane.
- 2024: He won a gold medal at the ISSF Shooting World Cup.
- 2024: Swapnil won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
- 2024: He finished fourth at the World Championships in Cairo.
- 2024: Swapnil won a bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Upcoming Future Events
Swapnil Kusale’s win at the Paris Olympics 2024 is expected to propel him to greater heights. He is likely to participate in several international shooting competitions in the future. Some of the upcoming events that Swapnil may participate in include:
- 2024 Asian Games: Swapnil is expected to be a strong contender for a medal at the Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China.
- 2025 ISSF World Cup: Swapnil will likely participate in the ISSF World Cup, which will be held in various locations around the world.
- 2026 Commonwealth Games: Swapnil may participate in the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Birmingham, England.
- 2028 Olympic Games: Swapnil will aim to defend his Olympic medal at the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles, USA.
Net Worth
After winning the medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, Swapnil Kusale is expected to receive a significant rewards. Here are some of the rewards he may receive:
- Government Rewards: The Government of India awards a cash prize of ₹10 crore (approximately $1.3 million) to Olympic medal winners under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ cash award scheme.
- State Government Rewards: The Government of Maharashtra, Swapnil’s home state, may also award him a cash prize of ₹2-3 crore (approximately $260,000-$390,000) for his achievement.
- Other Rewards: Swapnil may also receive rewards from other organizations, such as the Indian Railways, his employer, and various sports associations.
In addition to these cash rewards, Swapnil may also receive other benefits, such as:
- Land and Housing: The Government of Maharashtra may offer him a plot of land or a house in recognition of his achievement.
- Job Promotion: Indian Railways may promote him to a higher rank or offer him a more prestigious job.
- Endorsements: Swapnil may receive endorsement opportunities from various brands, which can significantly increase his earnings.
Conclusion
Swapnil Kusale’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024 is expected to bring him a plethora of awards and government rewards. These rewards will not only recognize his outstanding achievement but also provide him with financial security and motivation to continue performing at the highest level. The rewards include cash prizes from the Government of India, Indian Olympic Association, and the Government of Maharashtra, as well as national awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri Award. Additionally, he may receive other rewards such as the Arjuna Award, Bharat Gaurav Award, and Maharashtra Bhushan Award. These awards and rewards will be a testament to Swapnil’s hard work and dedication to his sport, and will inspire future generations of athletes in India.
